Ease the tension.

Nothing creates tension between you and your bike like an ill-fitting, uncomfortable pair of bib shorts. Well, perhaps nothing except sweltering summer heat. The Louis Garneau Course Superleggera Bib Shorts are half of Garneau's premier hot-weather ensemble. With effort-prolonging support, breathability, and a superb chamois, they ensure that you and your bike meld in harmony no matter how many miles you tack on as the mercury rises.

Eight panels make up the short portion of the Course Superleggera bib shorts. This multi-panel construction allows for a precise, anatomic fit, as well as a strategic use of Garneau's Lycra Power, Delfino, and Lazer Rev fabrics. Used in every area of the shorts but the side panels and grippers, Lycra Power provides a high degree of muscle support and compression that improves blood circulation and increases resistance to fatigue. The Black version of the shorts keep you cool using Lycra Power with a Coldblack treatment that reflects heat, rather than absorbing and retaining it. For the side panels, Garneau used Delfino, a dimpled, nylon/spandex mesh that's quick-drying and provides exceptional ventilation and moisture management. The Lazer Rev fabric provides silicone-free grip at the lower thighs to keep everything in place.

Garneau constructed the uppers of the Course Superleggera out of Power Mesh and Carbon X-Mesh fabrics-- using Power Mesh for the lower and back portions, and Carbon X-Mesh for the shoulder straps themselves. Because it contains spandex, Power Mesh is both body-conforming and breathable -- two factors that are essential to effective moisture management around the core area. The shoulder straps are made out of Carbon X-Mesh, which, in addition to ventilation, provides gentle grip and anti-static properties. The shorts are finished with a reflective stripe to increase your visibility to motorists in low-light conditions.

For further comfort, the bib shorts feature Louis Garneau's own, patent-pending 5 Motion chamois. This chamois, developed with Beveled Edge Molding, uses a 3D, pre-shaped wing design that moves in unison with your body to eliminate abrasion. It also features variable-density, perforated memory foam that's been shaped objectively towards every direction of movement and pressure. And unlike other forms of variable-density padding, the 5 Motion shape ensures that height transitions flow smoothly from region to region for pinch- and chafe-free comfort. Garneau also included a center channel, much like your favorite saddles, that relieves pressure on the urethra and pudendal nerve. The insert also effectively evacuates any moisture—another source of chafing and bacteria.

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First impression

Familiarity: I've used it several times

Fit: True to size

Size Bought: Large

The LG bibs are not bad for the price. I usually ride 60 plus miles on a ride and these bibs are on par with my other bibs, LG/Castelli. As for the size, I got a large because a friend on mine has a pair and he said they would stretch out after a couple of rides. After a couple of rides, I cannot tell if I should have gotten an extra large or not. They are still a little tight, but not too bad. If I would order again, I would get an extra large.

Comment on Terry F.'s review:

Great bibs

Familiarity: I've used it several times

Fit: True to size

Size Bought: Large

The Course Superleggera are great. The compression is just the right amount of pressure. But what I like most about them is the chamois. What works for me may be completely different for you. But I can ride for hours in these and no pressure where there shouldn't be. But chamois is like a saddle, once you find one you love, you stick with it and the 5 way chamois is perfect for me. But it may be completely wrong for someone else.

Comment on Scott T.'s review:

Damn Fine Bibs

Familiarity: I've used it several times

Fit: True to size

Size Bought: large

I'm quite particular about my cycling bibs. I tend to buy only LG or Castelli. I hadn't tried the Superlegga model before, but the price was right. LG fits true to size, so I was a bit surprised when they felt tight around the legs, the first time I wore them. The bibs didn't restrict or bind during that ride and feel fine immediately after putting them on every time since. The thin padding is amazingly comfortable and protective on long (75+ miles) rides. I've since bought another pair.

Comment on gary forman's review:

Great Hot Weather Bibs

Familiarity: I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

Fit: True to size

I just ordered another pair of these after a weekend of riding. I ride over 10k miles a year road race and MTB and have never had such a comfortable pair of bibs. The team kit I wear has the 4 motion chamois which is nice but the 5 motion did not have me shifting in my seat after 60 miles. I put in 80 miles Sat and they felt so good I washed them for another 85 Sun. Temps were 85-95 with heat indexes in the 100+ range with standard Florida 100% humidity and the fabric did not soak up sweat like many of my other kits. The compression around the thighs is supportive but not restrictive. Colors and sizes were limited so I went with a pair with white around the cuffs which for me white on bibs is a bad idea. I hope the other reviewer who had the chamois stitching fail was a fluke. If they hold up these are a great buy.

Comment on William F.'s review:

Average ride time is based on Strava activity over the last 3 months. Give your reviews credibility by connecting your account.

Light and comfortable

Familiarity: I've used it several times

Fit: True to size

Size Bought: Large

These bibs are certainly "super light" as the name suggests. They are about two inches shorter in the legs than other LG shorts I own. The straps, as with other Garneau bibs, are incredibly comfortable. These come with LG's top-of-the-line chamois: it is well placed and has served me well on rides over 50 miles. I think it is ideal for summer climbs, but works for any warm-weather rides.

Comment on Corry's review:

Good bib, poor construction.

Familiarity: I've put it through the wringer

Fit: True to size

Size Bought: Small

First off, I really like these bibs. They're comfortable and fit really well.

My gripe is with the construction of them. I have two pair of these, and both have developed a small hole in the front left near the stitching of the chamois.. pretty much the exact same place on both. The defect also showed up after only a ride or two. I check with Garneau's warranty, and the wording basically says if it can be attributed to normal use its not covered.

So, I love the bibs, but very disappointed with both pairs developing the same hole after little use, with seemingly no recourse for replacement on such an expensive item. I'll be rethinking my choice this winter when I purchase new bibs.

Comment on Tanner B.'s review:

Make sure the hole hasn't been caused by your leg rubbing against the velcro of your saddle bag straps. I had a small hole develop in a pair of shorts once (thought it was a defect in the material), but turned out to be this

Comment on Samuel H.'s comment:

Average ride time is based on Strava activity over the last 3 months. Give your reviews credibility by connecting your account.

no room - OUCH

Familiarity: I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

I wanted the long distance padding so I purchased these with the 5 Motion chamois. I just didn't realize the padding was going to be all in the front - very cramped and uncomfortable. Maybe I'll try them on backwards... Many thanks to CC for letting me return them!

Comment on chris Re's review:

Worked for me, Great Shorts

Familiarity: I've used it several times

Fit: True to size

I love these shorts. I plan a get another pair or two in case something happens to the pair I have. They have a channel in the chamois that cured my numbness issues. Also, I was very happy with Competitive Cyclist. These guys are great.

Comment on Nate W.'s review:

Great bibs !

Familiarity: I've used it several times

Fit: True to size

Size Bought: large

I really like the way the chamois is cut in Louis Garneau bibs. It's very comfortable and not too thick. These bibs fit my like a glove. I wound up ordering 3 pair. So far this brand and Capo seem to fit me the best ! I have a 34 or 35 waist.

Comment on Craig P.'s review:

Sizing different for LG

Familiarity: I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

Fit: Runs small

Size Bought: Large

I had been wearing Garneau for years and had always been a size Medium in the shorts, no matter what shorts I bought, top-end, low-end. The compressive fit is smaller though. At Competitive Cyclist's advice, I returned the Mediums and exchanged them for Large. Much happier - not sitting there thinking "are my critical organs losing blood supply or am I being a wuss?" For reference, I am 6 feet tall and weigh 153 lbs.

Other initial impressions, the 5 Motion chamois is a big improvement over the 4 Motion!

Comment on Stephen Bartnikowski's review:

Great bibs for med rides

Familiarity: I've used it several times

Fit: True to size

Size Bought: Large

Excellent fit; I'm 5'11" and 180, and the L fits perfect. These bibs really fall into perfect place on the body, and never make you feel pinched or like you have to pull at something or shift around after getting out of the saddle.

My only little quibble is that, as nice as the chamois is overall for fit, there's no way I could stand over 60-70 miles in these things. Some of that may be me, but I wouldn't call these long-distance bibs.

Comment on Tara F.'s review:

Excellent bib

Familiarity: I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

Just about everything they claim is true. Great for hot weather (and you don't need sunscreen). Some helpful compression and a fantastic chamois. In fact, the chamois is so good I'm getting another pair. Most of my long rides are 3+ hours, and it "disappeared" the entire time. Compared to my Castellis (the Endurance X2, which, by the way, I had no stitching problems with) they have noticeably less compression, but the rest of the bib works better with the chamois. The Castellis compress very well, but are unnecessarily snug in that area. And their shoulder straps are a bit too short and tight, compared to the luxuriously soft, pin-striped Garneau's. Fit: I got a medium for my 5'9" 142 lbs. frame. Legs: 17.5" at the leg opening and 21" otherwise. It's snug on the legs but the chamois has more compliance.

Comment on Douglas G.'s review:

Runs Short in length

Familiarity: I've used it several times

I had this bib in large and it feels great, its comfortable. The only problem I found is it runs short in leg length compared to sugoi for example, therefore I had to be careful with sun burn on my legs